African Helmets -
Makonde Lipiko Mask 5

African art and masks of the Makonde.

This wooden lipiko mask from the Makonde people
is 9.5 inches tall, and decorated with human hair. The lipiko mask is
hollow, and worn like a helmet
with the front lifted up, allowing the wearer to see through the
lips. Lipiko masks are worn by elders to celebrate the initiation of boys and girls into adulthood.